The painting showed no trace of spiritual energy. Its ink flowed freely, its strokes grand and sweeping, and it brimmed with intense, generous emotion. Yet it was a landscape scroll painted by a mortal.
Even so, the master of Wushi Villa was still absorbed in it, watching with great relish.
Suddenly, he sensed something and immediately formed a simple Magic Seal.
A gap appeared in the villa's great array. The next moment, a streak of Blood Saber Qi swept across the sky, slashing down from above and shooting straight through the gap into the villa.
Inside the hall, the master casually reached out and seized the saber qi from afar.
Its fierce saber intent gradually dissipated, revealing a letter wrapped within it, written in blood on dark paper.
Gazing at the letter, which was exactly as described in the rumors, the master's expression remained unchanged.
At a glance, it was clear that this saber intent had been sent by that Immortal Emperor Pei of Chongming Sect!
With a thought, he opened the letter. Inside was a brief note, with only a few words: "A newly descended Immortal seeks to temper his character. I request a battle with the master of your villa, to prove the Great Dao."
"The time and place of this battle are yours to decide, Master."
"As fellow Upper Realm Immortals, I trust your villa will not disappoint this Immortal."
"Chongming Sect Holy Son, Pei Ling."
After reading the challenge, the master remained seated, making no move to swiftly summon the Grand Elders for a meeting as the other sects would.
He casually set the letter aside, then took out a piece of tanned human skin preserved for years, belonging to a beautiful woman. He spread out his brush and ink, ground the ink himself until it